The 2022 Claas UK Scholarship for a Harper Adams University student has been awarded to Molly Robson, who is studying for a BEng in Agricultural Engineering and is the first female student to win this prestigious award.

Molly Robson

Now in its 16th year, the scholarship was instigated in 2005 at the personal request of Helmut Claas and is awarded annually to a Year 2 Engineering Student at Harper Adams University.

As this year’s Claas Scholar, Molly will receive £3,000 towards her education costs each academic year. In addition, she will do an initial three months placement with a Claas UK owned dealership, prior to a 12 month paid placement at the company's headquarters at Harsewinkel in Germany. Here she will be working within the Advanced Functional Testing Department, focussing on harvesting machinery.

Prior to attending Harper Adams University, Molly studied at Askham Bryan College for a Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Land Based Engineering. Molly is from a farming background and lives with her family on an arable farm in Darlington. 

Summing up on how she felt to be awarded this year’s scholarship, Molly said, "To be a Claas scholar and have my placement with the company, is something I have wanted to achieve since I started my journey in the world of agricultural engineering. I am beyond excited for this opportunity, and I cannot wait to start this experience!”

The manufacturer has enjoyed close ties with Harper Adams for many years, both through the Claas Foundation, but has also sponsored PhD thesis and research work at the University and also provides work placement opportunities for a number of students each year. The company says many of these have gone on after graduation to be awarded training and career opportunities with themselves.